Rita Odafe
Investigation Ordered into Deaths of Okuama Leaders in Military Custody
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has initiated an investigation into the fatalities of two leaders from the Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who died while in army custody.
Reports indicate that both Oghoroko, the President-General, and 81-year-old Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, passed away within six days of each other while detained. They were taken into custody, alongside four others, during a military operation conducted between August 18 and 20, 2024.
This military action followed the tragic event in which 17 soldiers were killed on March 14, 2024, while attempting to mediate a conflict between Okuama and the nearby Okoloba community.
The deaths have sparked significant unrest within Okuama, where local youths and women have demanded the release of the remaining detainees and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s body, giving the government a week to respond.
During a briefing for the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff has tasked the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army with investigating the matter and delivering a report by Monday.
He stated, “Concerning the recent claims of deaths in custody, there have been reports indicating that individuals held due to the Okuama incident have died.”
He went on to explain, “The CDS has ordered an investigation by the 6 Division. We anticipate receiving findings shortly to verify the validity of these claims. For now, these remain allegations.
“We are dedicated to finding the truth, and more details will be available shortly.”
